Our Footprint

The people, perspectives, and connectionsthat fuel EdCoSpace.

EdCoSpace is shaped by lived experience, professional knowledge, community engagement, and trusted relationships. Explore our perspective on topics affecting children and families, see EdCoSpace in the community, and meet the colleagues and organizations connected to the work.

  • Child development
  • Family support
  • Educational systems
Children experiencing joyful outdoor play
Different expertise.One shared purpose: helping children thrive.
Meet our founder

Meet Our Founder.

EdCoSpace began with Leigh Sims and her belief that caregivers deserve knowledgeable, respectful support.

Leigh Sims, founder of EdCoSpace

Leigh Sims

Founder · Developmental Specialist · Consultant

Leigh created EdCoSpace to give caregivers the kind of thoughtful, neutral, developmentally informed support that can make parenting and caregiving feel less alone. She connects research with real routines, family culture, and the child in front of you.

Out in the community

EdCoSpace in the Community.

Leigh shares EdCoSpace’s perspective at community events and in conversations about children, families, and schools. Videos are muted by default; turn sound on with the video controls.

Speaking on a community panel

Leigh Sims joins fellow panelists to share her perspective on supporting children, families, and educators.

Sharing the work in the community

Leigh Sims speaks about how schools and communities can better support students, educators, and families.

Organizations we’ve worked with

EdCoSpace Partnerships.

EdCoSpace’s work has connected with organizations across education, public media, early learning, disability services, and maternal-health partnership.

Trusted specialists

EdCoSpace Board of Colleagues.

From school psychology and behavior analysis to mental health and educational psychology, these trusted specialists are colleagues EdCoSpace partners with and refers families to.

Allison McCarthy Trentman, PhD

Allison McCarthy Trentman, PhD

Educational Psychologist

Allison is an Educational Psychologist and School System Leader with a passion for helping all students thrive. She brings extensive experience in MTSS, special education, and school climate, translating theory into practice through a collaborative, problem-solving approach. She is also a mom to young children who enjoys family time and reading.

Dr. Maya Coleman

Dr. Maya Coleman

Child Development & Mental Health Expert

Dr. Maya Coleman is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University and the Executive Director of Hand in Hand Parenting. She helps parents, educators, and healthcare professionals build more connected, playful, and joyful relationships, and provides consultative services for professionals.

Crystal D. Dorn

Crystal D. Dorn

School Psychologist

Dr. Crystal Dorn is a highly experienced school psychologist and mental health professional with over two decades of experience. She is passionate about helping students of all ages reach their full potential and is a trusted resource for parents on their parenting journey. She has developed and implemented innovative programs and processes that improve student outcomes.

Danielle Shea

Danielle Shea

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

Danielle Shea is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and certified Early Childhood Special Educator. She has spent seven years teaching early childhood students in Washington, DC, and finds joy in partnering with families to support the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development of young learners. She holds an M.Ed. in Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis.

Let’s create something supportive together

Bring the right people around the work.

Start with a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. Share what is happening, ask practical questions, and explore the next step without pressure.